Paul Pogba: In action in Ukraine

However, Zenit are apparently refusing to entertain offers for Garay ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, and Monaco have now sold Abdennour, who had also been linked with a number of other Premier League teams, to Valencia despite the 26-year-old’s apparent preference to join Chelsea.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Abdennour had signed papers saying he wanted to play for Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea were apparently willing to pay £15million for the Tunisia international, but Monaco are said to have upped the price at the last minute, putting off the Blues and allowing Valencia to seal a reported €30million (£21.8m) deal.

Abdennour, who has signed a five-year contract with Los Che, told his new club’s official website: “I chose Valencia CF out of all the offers I received, because it is a big club in Spain and Europe.

“I had no doubts. I am happy to be here and to be part of an ambitious and serious project, and I would like to thank the technical staff, Lay Hoon and Peter Lim.

“I will give my all to have a good season with my new team-mates. Everyone knows Valencia CF because they have won a lot of trophies. I am delighted to be joining the best league in the world and hope to play well for the team.”

Valencia chairwoman Lay Hoon Chan added: “Aymen is one of the best defenders in Europe, strong and young with big potential. I am happy that he has shown great interest and commitment in our project at the very first moment.”